Elect Clark Craig

She is awesome!!!

If you would like to receive my newsletter (in color! with pictures!), please go to my website at RiessforColorado.com and sign up! Below is a sample from the newsletter that went out today.

Dear Friend,

The first week of March was precinct caucus week across Colorado, a busy and energizing time. I attended my own caucus in La Plata County and visited several others in surrounding counties. What stood out most wasn’t the politics, it was the people.

Across House District 59, I heard the same message: rural communities want to be heard, respected, and represented. Families are driving hours for healthcare. Ranchers face rising costs and regulations. Small towns are working to keep young families close to home. Too often, decisions affecting us are made by people who don’t live here or understand our way of life.

That is why I am running. For 35 years, I’ve lived and worked in Southwest Colorado. I understand rural realities; water stewardship, agriculture, small business, and the challenges of distance. This campaign is about restoring practical, common-sense representation rooted in independence, hard work, and respect for our communities.

Caucus week reminded me that when rural communities stand together, we are powerful. And we must stand together now. HD59 remains one of the most competitive races in Colorado. Democrats have targeted this seat, and outside resources will come. Momentum begins at the grassroots level and that starts with us.

If you’re able, please help us build on this energy. Your support expands outreach, engages undecided voters, and keeps Southwest Colorado’s voice strong in Denver. Individuals may give up to $450, and couples up to $900 per election cycle. I am grateful for any support.

If you were elected as a Delegate, I respectfully ask you to attend the House District 59 Assembly on Saturday, April 4, at the Durango VFW (12:30 p.m., check-in at 11:30 a.m.). Delegates from Archuleta, La Plata, Montezuma, and San Juan counties will designate the Republican candidate for placement on the 2026 Primary ballot.

Your engagement matters; whether through your support, your vote, or your presence at assembly. I am honored to be earning your trust.

With determination,
Naomi Riess
Candidate for Colorado House District 59

Naomi’s Notes:
Stories & Observations from the Field

Women in Agriculture 2026 – “A Climate of Resilience”

I recently attended the two-day Women in Agriculture Conference, and it was an incredibly informative and energizing experience. From legacy farming stories to discussions about virtual fencing, agrotourism and developing alternative grain networks, the focus was clear: building resilience for ourselves first as we build resilience for the land, our farms, and the families who steward them.

The conference brought together ranchers, farmers, CSU Extension specialists, and agricultural entrepreneurs to share ideas about adapting to changing conditions while protecting the traditions that sustain our rural communities. One of the highlights was hearing from Dr. Heather Shotton, President of Fort Lewis College, whose keynote reminded us how important it is to connect to place and to remember that women are the strength, the backbone and the carriers of the ties to land and place. Beth LaShell wrapped things up by EMPOWERing us all to remember what matters most.

What struck me most was the blend of tradition and innovation; ranchers discussing generational stewardship and the challenges of family relationships, producers exploring management strategies and additional revenue streams, and women across the region sharing knowledge about how to strengthen both their operations and their communities.

Southwest Colorado agriculture is evolving, and I’m committed to ensuring state policy supports those who feed and sustain our communities.

DurangoScape: Protecting Our Urban Forest
I also participated in Durango Botanic Gardens’ two-day DurangoScape event focused on coping with climate change and rapid urban development with special attention to our community forest. Durango’s 12,000+ trees aren’t just scenery. They support property values, local business vitality, and quality of life. They cool our neighborhoods. The discussions around urban forestry, responsible development, water use, and long-term landscape planning and maintenance, reinforced something simple: growth must be thoughtful. I was especially impressed by Rob Davis of Grand Junction and his cost-saving innovation for nurturing bare root trees. I’ll be trying a small-scale retrofit of my own with bare root windbreak trees later this spring. Protecting our urban canopy requires practical planning, long-term stewardship, and a shared commitment to the landscapes that support our communities.

Looking Ahead: Water, Policy, and Rural Priorities
I’m especially looking forward to upcoming Club 20 policy committee meetings, particularly the Water Committee discussions surrounding the Colorado River Compact negotiations. Western Colorado water issues demand strong, informed representation and I intend to be deeply engaged.

Later this month, I’ll also be attending the Southwestern Water Conservation District meeting, where regional leaders continue the long-standing work of protecting and developing our basin’s water resources for the benefit of nine counties across Southwest Colorado.

Water is not theoretical for us. It is economic stability, agriculture, recreation, and community survival. I take that responsibility seriously.

Stay Connected with Naomi on
Social Media
Or meet her in person at one of these community events.

Keep the Momentum Going:

If you haven't had the chance to connect with Naomi Riess yet, we're heading to Archuleta, Montezuma, and La Plata counties all month. These are great opportunities to chat, share ideas, and get to know her better.

For info on these events click here!

Come join us!
Some Upcoming events:

Mar 10 – Economic Alliance | 7:45 a.m.
Mar 10 – Power of Place 150 Presentation | 6:00 p.m.
Mar 11 – Archuleta Rep. Women’s lunch, Pagosa | 12:00 p.m. noon
Mar 12&13 – Club20 Committee Meetings, GJC | All Day
Mar 14 – La Plata County GOP Assembly | 5:30 p.m.
Mar 16 – Florida Mesa RDAC | 6:30 p.m.
Mar 17 – SW Republican Womens’ Lunch | 12:00 p.m. noon
Mar 17 – Durango Gun Club | 7:00 a.m.
Mar 20 – Yellow Jacket Livestock Auction | 11:30 a.m.
Mar 21 – Montezuma County GOP Assembly | 5:00 p.m.
Mar 25 – Durango Chamber Lunch & Learn | 12:00 p.m. noon
Mar 26 – Archuleta GOP Meeting, Pagosa | 5:30 p.m.
Mar 27 – SW Water Conservation District Meeting | All Day
Mar 28 – Archuleta County GOP Assembly | TBA
Mar 31 – Cortez City Council Meeting | 7:00 p.m.

“Caucus week reminded me that when rural communities stand together, we are powerful. Our voices deserve respect in Denver and I am ready to fight to make sure Southwest Colorado is never an afterthought.”

Learn More @ RiessforColorado.com

Take Action

Connect with Naomi
on Social Media . . . Share with your Friends and Neighbors!

We win by working together! Volunteer today. Host a Meet & Greet, knock doors, place a yard sign, make calls, or lend your skills.

Your Support helps us wins this race! You can donate to the campaign or your county party for maximum impact in 2026!

Copyright (C) 2026 Riess for Colorado. All rights reserved.
Paid for by Riess for Colorado, Registered Agent John Rice
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Our mailing address is:
Riess for Colorado
PO BOX 1045
Durango, CO 81302
RiessForColorado.com

Come out to meet Naomi!

🇺🇸Save The Date🇺🇸

Join us in getting to know Riess For Colorado this Thursday!!

You may already know and support Naomi Riess for HD 59, and we hope you’ll join us — but please invite a friend!

Naomi is the right candidate to represent us at the state level, and it’s important that we continue introducing her to new faces across our community.

Sip & Solutions is a great opportunity to bring someone who may not have met Naomi yet.

Stop by, enjoy a quick sip and conversation, and help spread the word. We’d love to see you there!

Congratulations to Kip, Jessika Buell and Shirley! I look forward to collaborating with you.
Local leaders have the most direct influence on communities and can drive real change.
Getting involved in your local community is one of the most rewarding ways to make a real difference—both for yourself and those around you.

And let’s be honest: sitting on the sidelines complaining about potholes or sketchy zoning laws doesn’t fix them. Showing up to a council meeting or pitching in on a project does. You don’t need to be a hero—just someone who cares enough to act!

Today we honor those that served in Vietnam.
Thank you for your service and may we always remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice!
We are grateful to the Southern Ute Veteran Association for making sure our community honors and remembers.

It was an honor to serve with Chair Malandra and Commissioner Minkler. Thanks to both for their service to our community!

Outgoing La Plata County planning commissioners reflect on ‘an amazing human process’ If the La Plata County Planning Commissioners are doing their job well, you might never consider they work they do unless you yourself have a project before them. “When we drive around the county loo...

Below is the schedule for this week's gun bills.

All of these bills are being heard before the committee for the first time and are open to the public for public testimony. (You can testify in person, remotely via Zoom, or submit a letter.)

To sign up and/or find out more info about the process, visit our Testimony 101 page here: https:// wethesecondcolorado.com/public-testimony-101/

To stay up to date with all of these bills, follow our bill status page: https://wethesecondcolorado.com/2025-co-firearm-legislation/

Please get the word out and share this post.

Sign the Petition to Support HB25-1158 & Protect Children from Digital Exploitation in Schools Did you know that schools across Colorado are using educational research databases that target children with advertisements for online gambling, va**ng, ma*****na, alcohol, guns, and even adult content? This is happening right now—inside classr

Big thanks to Club 20 and Pro 15 for Voices of Rural CO! So much great information on Thursday. Friday’s highlight was honoring veterans as well as their families under the Gold Dome. Thanks to all the Western Slope Representatives and Senators that joined us for breakfast.
This is a reminder that it is your responsibility to reach out to your representatives.
Colorado House Republicans
Colorado Senate Republicans

No complaints accepted if you’re not involved!

Get Involved in Your County Party Now! Email from The Lincoln Club Of Colorado Celebrating 107 Years in 2025 CALL TO ACTION Participate in Your Upcoming Republican County Party Reorganization Meeting Did you know the Republican Parties in